Davis says Redus vacationing, expected to return Monday

Redus was absent from Monday night’s city council meeting, at which Alderwoman Irene Holcomb presided as the council’s senior member. Holcomb said she thought Redus was vacationing, but she wasn’t certain.

Rumors began circulating that Redus had vacated his office early and had apparently decided to no longer fulfill his mayoral obligations through the end of his term on Dec. 31.

Redus will be replaced Jan. 1 by Debe Hollingsworth, who defeated the two-term incumbent and seven other opponents in the Nov. 6 general election.

Repeated efforts to contact Redus since Monday have been unsuccessful.

Contacted Thursday, Davis was asked about the mayor’s whereabouts and whether the mayor would be returning to work.

“What is this about?” asked Davis, adding, “I think I know.”

Davis confirmed that Redus has been vacationing this week.

“He should be back next week,” said Davis.

In response to questioning, Davis said the mayor “is a phone call away” and, “There was no need for him to appoint someone else” as an acting mayor.

“If something comes up, he can take care of it by telephone,” said Davis. “I don’t understand why so much is being made of this.”